Introduction This is the Fire Triangle. Actually it's a tetrahedron, because there are four elements that must be present for a fire to exist. There must be Oxygen to sustain combustion, Heat to raise the material to its ignition temperature, Fuel to support the combustion and a Chemical Reaction between the other three elements. The concept of Fire Prevention is based upon keeping these four elements separate.
Types of Fires Some type of fire extinguishing agents can be used on more than one class of fire. Others have warnings where it would be dangerous for the operator to use a particular fire extinguisher agent. Class A Class A fires are fires in ordinary combustibles such as wood, paper, cloth, trash, and plastics.
Types of Fires Some type of fire extinguishing agents can be used on more than one class of fire. Others have warnings where it would be dangerous for the operator to use a particular fire extinguisher agent. Class B Class B fires are fires in flammable liquids such as gasoline, petroleum oil and paint. Class B Fires also include flammable gases such as propane and butane. Class B fires do not include fires involving cooking oils and grease.
Types of Fires Some type of fire extinguishing agents can be used on more than one class of fire. Others have warnings where it would be dangerous for the operator to use a particular fire extinguisher agent. Class C Class C fires are fires involving energized electrical equipment such as motors, transformers, and appliances. Remove the power and the Class C fire becomes one of the other classes of fire.
Types of Fires Some type of fire extinguishing agents can be used on more than one class of fire. Others have warnings where it would be dangerous for the operator to use a particular fire extinguisher agent. Class D Class D fires are fires in combustible metals such as potassium, sodium, aluminum and magnesium.
Types of Fires Some type of fire extinguishing agents can be used on more than one class of fire. Others have warnings where it would be dangerous for the operator to use a particular fire extinguisher agent. Class K Class K fires are fires in cooking oils and greases such as animal fats and vegetable fats.
Types of Fire Extinguishers Water and Foam Water and Foam fire extinguishers extinguish the fire by taking away the heat element of the fire triangle. Foam agents also separate the oxygen element from the other elements. Water extinguishers are for Class A fires only - they should not be used on Class B or C fires. The discharge stream could spread the flammable liquid in a Class B fire or could create a shock hazard on a class C fire. Foam extinguishers can be used on Class A & B fires only. They are not for use on Class C fires due to the shock hazard.
Types of Fire Extinguishers Carbon dioxide Carbon dioxide fire extinguishers extinguish the fire by taking away the oxygen element of the fire triangle and also by removing the heat with a very cold discharge. Carbon dioxide can be used on Class B & C fires. They are usually ineffective on Class A fires.
Types of Fire Extinguishers Dry Chemical Dry Chemical fire extinguishers extinguish the fire primarily by interrupting the chemical reaction of the fire triangle. Today's most widely used type of fire extinguisher is the multipurpose dry chemical that is effective on Class A, B and C fires. This agent also works by creating a barrier between the oxygen element and the fuel element on Class A fires. Ordinary dry chemical is for Class B & C fires only. It is important to use the correct extinguisher for the type of fuel! Using the incorrect agent can allow the fire to reignite after apparently being extinguished successfully.
Types of Fire Extinguishers Wet Chemical Wet Chemical is a new agent that extinguishes the fire by removing the heat of the fire triangle and prevents reigniting by creating a barrier between the oxygen and fuel elements. Wet chemical or Class K extinguishers were developed for modern, high efficiency deep fat fryers in commercial cooking operations. Some may also be used on Class A fires in commercial kitchens.
Types of Fire Extinguishers Halogenated or Clean Agent Halogenated or Clean Agent extinguishers include the halon agents as well as the newer and less ozone depleting halocarbon agents. They extinguish the fire by interrupting the chemical reaction of the fire triangle. Clean agent extinguishers are primarily for Class B & C fires. Some larger clean agent extinguishers can be used on Class A, B and C fires.
Types of Fire Extinguishers Dry Powder Dry Powder extinguishers are similar to dry chemical except that they extinguish the fire by separating the fuel from the oxygen element or by removing the heat element of the fire triangle. However, dry powder extinguishers are for Class D or combustible metal fires, only. They are ineffective on all other classes of fires.
Types of Fire Extinguishers Water Mist Water Mist extinguishers are a recent development that extinguishes the fire by taking away the heat element of the fire triangle. They are an alternative to the clean agent extinguishers where contamination is a concern. Water mist extinguishers are primarily for Class A fires, although they are safe for use on Class C fires as well.
Types of Fire Extinguishers Cartridge Operated Dry Chemical Cartridge Operated Dry Chemical fire extinguishers extinguish the fire primarily by interrupting the chemical reaction of the fire triangle. Like the stored pressure dry chemical extinguishers, the multipurpose dry chemical is effective on Class A, B and C fires. This agent also works by creating a barrier between the oxygen element and the fuel element on Class A fires. Ordinary dry chemical is for Class B & C fires only. It is important to use the correct extinguisher for the type of fuel! Using the incorrect agent can allow the fire to re-ignite after apparently being extinguished successfully.
The Rules for Fighting Fires Just remember the three A’s: Activate the building alarm system or notify the fire department. Or, have someone else do this for you. Assist any persons in immediate danger, or those incapable on there own, to exit the building, without risk to yourself. Only after these two are completed, should you Attempt to extinguish the fire.
The Rules for Fighting Fires Only fight a fire if: 1. If the fire is small and contained. The time to use a fire extinguisher is in the early, or incipient, stage of a fire. Once the fire starts to grow or spread, it is best to evacuate the building, closing doors or windows behind you. 2. If you are safe from toxic smoke. If the fire is producing large amounts of thick, black smoke or chemical smoke, it may be best not to try to extinguish the fire. Neither should you attempt to extinguish the fire in a confined space. Outdoors, approach the fire with the wind at your back. Remember that all fires will product carbon monoxide and many fires will produce toxic gasses that can be fatal, even in small amounts.
The Rules for Fighting Fires Only fight a fire if: 3. If you have a means of escape. You should always fight a fire with an exit or other means of escape at your back. If the fire is not quickly extinguished, you need to be able to get out quickly and avoid becoming trapped. 4. If your instincts tell you it's ok. If you do not feel comfortable attempting to extinguish the fire, don't try - get out and let the fire department do their job.
Fire Extinguisher Use It is important to know the locations and the types of extinguishers in your workplace prior to actually using one. Fire Extinguishers can be heavy, so it's a good idea to practice picking up and holding an extinguisher to get an idea of the weight and feel. Take time to read the operating instructions and warnings found on the fire extinguisher label. Not all fire extinguishers look alike. Practice releasing the discharge hose or horn and aiming it at the base of an imagined fire. Do not pull the pin or squeeze the lever. This will break the extinguisher seal and cause it to lose pressure.
Fire Extinguisher Use When it is time to use the extinguisher on a fire, Just remember to P.A.S.S.! 1. Pull Pull the pin.
Fire Extinguisher Use When it is time to use the extinguisher on a fire, Just remember to P.A.S.S.! 2. Aim Aim the nozzle or hose at the base of the fire from the recommended safe distance.
Fire Extinguisher Use When it is time to use the extinguisher on a fire, Just remember to P.A.S.S.! 3. Squeeze Squeeze the operating lever to discharge the fire extinguisher agent.
Fire Extinguisher Use When it is time to use the extinguisher on a fire, Just remember to P.A.S.S.! 4. Sweep Starting at the recommended distance, Sweep the nozzle or hose from side to side until the fire is out. Move forward or around the fire area as the fire diminishes. Watch the area in case of re-ignition.
Fire Extinguisher Inspection Like any mechanical device, fire extinguishers must be maintained on a regular basis to insure their proper operation. You, the owner or occupant of the property where fire extinguishers are located, are responsible for arranging your fire extinguishers' maintenance. Fire extinguishers must be inspected or given a "quick check" every 30 days. For most extinguishers, this is a job that you can easily do by locating the extinguishers in your workplace and answering the following three questions.
Fire Extinguisher Inspection 1. Is the extinguisher in its designated location?
Fire Extinguisher Inspection 2. Is it visible and accessible?
Fire Extinguisher Inspection 3. Does the gauge or pressure indicator show the correct pressure?
Fire Extinguisher Maintenance In addition, fire extinguishers must be maintained annually in accordance with local, state and national codes and regulations. This is a thorough examination of the fire extinguisher's mechanical parts; fire extinguishing agent and the expellant gas. Your fire equipment professional is the ideal person to perform the annual maintenance because they have the appropriate servicing manuals, tools, recharge materials, parts, lubricants, and the necessary training and experience.
Fire Extinguisher Maintenance In addition, fire extinguishers must be maintained annually in accordance with local, state and national codes and regulations. This is a thorough examination of the fire extinguisher's mechanical parts; fire extinguishing agent and the expellant gas. Your fire equipment professional is the ideal person to perform the annual maintenance because they have the appropriate servicing manuals, tools, recharge materials, parts, lubricants, and the necessary training and experience.